Bishop Edward Mwai of Jesus Winner Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, has spoken out against a protest staged at his church on Sunday.

The demonstration, trending under the hashtag #OccupyJesusWinner, was triggered by President William Ruto’s pledge to donate Ksh.20 million and an additional Ksh.100 million for a planned church construction project.

Many Kenyans expressed outrage, questioning the timing of the donation amid economic hardships and government austerity measures. Some online users called for a protest at the church, prompting authorities to deploy security personnel to the premises.

During a church service, Bishop Mwai addressed the congregation, alleging that individuals he knew had orchestrated the demonstrations and manipulated young people into participating. However, he refrained from naming anyone directly.

“Some of those protesting even wore Jesus Winner badges, but we will not engage them. We are a peaceful church,” Mwai stated. He urged his followers not to retaliate, emphasizing forgiveness and faith in divine justice.

The clergyman also revealed that he had received thousands of abusive messages and calls following the donation announcement, forcing him to change his phone number. He clarified that he had yet to receive any funds from the President.

In addition to the donation pledge, President Ruto allocated a disputed land parcel in Roysambu to the church, stating that it had been handed over by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Later, Ruto hosted Bishop Mwai at State House, commending Jesus Winner Ministry for its youth employment initiatives abroad.